Directional Driller MWD Specialist

Pay Range: $50.00hr - $55.00hr

Job Overview:

The WEC Specialist - M&D is responsible for planning and executing directional wellbores while also supporting (or directly performing, depending on operating model) MWD-related activities such as survey quality assurance, telemetry performance monitoring, and real-time data interpretation. The role focuses on safe, efficient trajectory delivery, wellbore quality, and strong cross-functional communication with the rig team, operations, drilling engineers, geology, and service personnel.

Candidate Profile:

Priority focus areas include strong conventional drilling experience, the ability to calculate and project curves, solid anti-collision understanding, and the ability to respond effectively to operational situations and troubleshoot in real time.

Critical Role Clarification:

The candidate will be expected to independently perform both directional driller and MWD functions in the field:

• Perform Directional Driller responsibilities.
• Operate in the MWD capacity.
• Take and process surveys.
• Monitor and understand wellbore telemetry.
• Submit directional and survey data as required.

Preferred Candidate Background:

Candidates who started their career as an MWD and later cross-trained into Directional Drilling are preferred.

Schedule / Work Environment:

Typical rotation is 20 days on / 10 days off, which may vary based on activity and rig assignments. Initial assignments will likely be on night shift until competency with operating procedures and standards is demonstrated. Day shift assignments generally require greater interaction and communication with drilling engineers and office personnel.

Work Location / Travel / Expenses:

The candidate does not need to reside in Midland, TX, as the location serves as a base office only. Actual work is performed at rig locations across operational regions.

Provided accommodations and benefits include flight accommodations when applicable, mileage reimbursement for approved personal vehicle travel, a $45/day per diem, and hotel accommodations when required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review drilling program, well objectives, target windows, and trajectory plan; identify risks and execution constraints.
• Provide directional drilling planning support: BHA concepts, motor/RSS recommendations (as applicable), toolface strategy, and expected build/turn behavior.
• Execute real-time directional guidance: maintain planned inclination/azimuth, manage slide/rotate decisions, and keep the well within tolerance.
• Perform/lead MWD data monitoring and quality control, including survey validation, telemetry performance monitoring, and ensuring correct survey management practices.
• Monitor drilling dynamics (torque/drag, vibration indicators, ECD trends, hole cleaning risk) and recommend parameter changes to reduce dysfunction and NPT.
• Coordinate closely with the driller and company representative during critical operations (kickoff, build/turn sections, landing, high dogleg risk intervals).
• Support anti-collision awareness by maintaining survey discipline and escalating risks per program requirements.
• Troubleshoot downhole and surface issues affecting trajectory or data quality (tool failures, sensor drift, telemetry degradation, downlink/uplink challenges).
• Produce accurate and timely deliverables: directional surveys, DDRs, end-of-well reports, BHA performance notes, NPT tracking, and lessons learned.
• Participate in pre-job planning, shift handovers, and post-job reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure strict compliance with HSE requirements and operational procedures; exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree/trade training preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in conventional drilling operations (vertical, deviated, and/or S-curve wells).
• Hands-on experience with MWD fundamentals including survey principles, sensor checks, telemetry basics, and real-time data interpretation.
• Working knowledge of directional drilling principles: wellbore geometry, toolface control, motor behavior, directional tendencies, and basic anti-collision concepts.
• Strong understanding of rig operations and drilling practices (tripping, connections, drilling hydraulics awareness, stuck pipe prevention basics).
• Ability to interpret drilling programs, well schematics, and real-time drilling and MWD data streams.
• Familiarity with RSS workflows and/or advanced survey management and QA/QC (where applicable).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a combined DD/MWD role or in operations requiring close DD MWD integration.
• Exposure to performance drilling, pad drilling, or multi-well execution in conventional plays.
• DD and/or MWD certifications and relevant well control certification per local requirements.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Safety-first execution and strong risk recognition.
• Real-time decision-making and operational discipline.
• Data quality mindset (survey integrity, telemetry reliability, accurate reporting).
• Strong communication with rig crews and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Structured troubleshooting and calm response under pressure.
• High-quality documentation and shift handovers.

Working Conditions:

Field-based rotational role with day/night coverage as required. Work is performed on drilling rigs and/or remote operations centers depending on the operating model.

The candidate must be able to work in demanding outdoor/industrial environments and comply with site-specific safety requirements.

Performance Measures (Examples):

• Trajectory delivery within target window and tolerances.
• Survey quality and reporting accuracy (error rate, consistency, timeliness).
• Telemetry/data uptime and response time to data-quality events.
• Reduction in directional/MWD-related NPT and improved ROP consistency.
• Safety performance and procedural compliance.